Charging your electric vehicle at home is essential for convenient and cost-effective daily use. While DC fast charging is available, home charging is more convenient, cost-efficient, and better for your car’s battery. Most EV owners prefer home charging for these reasons. Fortunately, many EVs come with a home charger included, making it easy to start charging once you have your new electric vehicle parked in your driveway.
However, not all home chargers are the same. Some provide faster charging speeds than others, which can impact how and when you charge your vehicle. Curious about which EV manufacturers offer the best chargers with their cars? Here’s an overview of major EV brands and what their included chargers offer:
Audi
Included charger: Yes
Plug types: NEMA 5-15 (standard U.S. three-prong outlet), NEMA 14-50
Level 1 speed: 1.2kW
Level 2 speed: 11kW
All Audi E-tron EVs come with the Audi Charging System Compact for free. This charger supports charging speeds up to 11kW, but requires connection to a NEMA 14-50 power outlet to achieve these speeds. It is compatible with both 120V and 240V outlets, with a cord length of 4.5 meters. Additionally, it has a power selection switch to avoid overloading your home’s electrical capacity.
BMW
Included charger: Yes
Plug types: NEMA 5-15 (standard U.S. three-prong outlet), NEMA 14-50
Level 1 speed: 1.2kW
Level 2 speed: 9.6kW
All BMW EVs come with a BMW portable Flexible Fast Charger that supports both 120V and 240V outlets, offering Level 1 and Level 2 charging. The charger can deliver speeds up to 9.6kW when connected to a 240V outlet. It has a cord length of 6 meters.
Cadillac
Included charger: Yes
Plug types: NEMA 5-15 (standard U.S. three-prong outlet), NEMA 14-50
Level 1 speed: 7.7kW
Level 2 speed: 1.4kW
Cadillac EVs come with the Dual Level Charging Cord, which supports both 120V and 240V power outlets for Level 1 and Level 2 charging, delivering up to 7.7kW on a 240V outlet. The charger has a 25-foot cord length and is IP66 rated for indoor and outdoor use.
Chevrolet
Included charger: Yes
Plug types: NEMA 5-15 (standard U.S. three-prong outlet), NEMA 14-50
Level 1 speed: 1.4kW
Level 2 speed: 7.7kW
Chevrolet EVs come with Chevrolet’s Dual Level Charge Cord for Level 1 and Level 2 charging, delivering speeds up to 7.7kW. The charger has a 25-foot cord length and is IP66 rated for outdoor charging.
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Who Has the Best EV Charger?
When it comes to EV chargers, it’s essential to consider the charging capabilities offered by each manufacturer. While most provide dual chargers supporting Level 1 and Level 2 charging, the specifics and speeds may vary. However, certain manufacturers like Tesla and Kia stand out for not including chargers with their vehicles, requiring customers to purchase them separately. In any case, investing in a quality, professionally installed home charger is recommended to ensure efficient and convenient charging for your electric vehicle.
